Feb 20 • 15:13 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Rescuer and dog are swept away by strong current of the Rímac River in Lima

A rescuer and a dog were swept away by the strong current of the Rímac River while attempting to rescue the animal in Lima, Peru.

Early Thursday morning in Lima, a rescuer and a dog became victims of the powerful current of the Rímac River during a rescue operation. The incident occurred near the Rayito de Sol bridge when local residents noticed the canine trapped on a floating tire in the river, unable to escape. Authorities from the National Police of Peru and the Municipality of Metropolitan Lima organized a rescue effort in response to the distress call from nearby residents and passersby.

As the rescue operation was underway, a volunteer rescuer descended into the river in an attempt to save the stranded dog. However, the strong current complicated the rescue and ultimately swept both the dog and the rescuer away. Witnesses reported the scene with distress, with some capturing the event on video and later sharing it with the media. The daring attempt highlights both the perilous conditions of the river and the challenges faced by rescuers in emergency scenarios.

This tragic event raises awareness about the dangers posed by the Rímac River, especially during heavy rains that can cause significant surges in water levels. It emphasizes the need for caution and potentially more resources for rescue operations in high-risk areas. The incident has generated public concern and dialogue regarding the safety measures in place for both human rescuers and animals in distress, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of rescue protocols in similar situations in the future.

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